RESTAURANT REVIEW

April 22, 2018 by: Sunny London

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane Review- London

Spring in London is truly glorious. The temperatures rise. The sun stays out longer. Cherry blossoms bloom. And then there’s my favourite thing to see… Spring menus bursting on to the food scene!

Mr. Sunny and I selected Brasserie Blanc this year for our first official Spring restaurant experience for some very sentimental reasons. The loss of his mum earlier this year slowed down regular publications on Sunny in London. As you can appreciate, life changed for us quite a bit and we needed time to adjust.

But we decided as winter shed its final flakes (we hope), that we would start heating things up again on the blog. The press release for Brasserie Blanc’s new menu in my inbox ignited the relaunch. And this is why…

We love French food. And, my mother in law did too. After reading through the new menu together, our overall impression was strong. Raymond Blanc’s concept of joining a collection of dishes inspired by his travels is enticing, especially when it’s such a popular time of year to energize and begin new adventures. So, the menu also captured our feelings of moving forward with a bit of vibrancy.

However, we both were targeting the same dish to have when we walked in to Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane location on a very hot evening in mid-April.

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- The Food

That’s the Malabar Fish Curry with Toasted Coconut. And, I won the draw to have it as my Main Course. It is roast hake with aromatic spices and coconut milk, grilled king prawn, shallot crisps and coconut rice. I can attest to the fact that it is divine!

Backing up a bit in my food journey, I started with the Mediterranean Fish Soup. This was an odd selection for me because I never order soup and rarely eat it at home. Further, the near 90° Fahrenheit temperature outside certainly wasn’t beckoning me to the dish. But, again the ingredients sounded so scrumptious.

I loved it. And, adding the final touches of cheese, croutons, etc myself was a little fun too. The soup is rich with balanced flavour and the texture is silky smooth.

Mr. Sunny or his mother would never pass up Escargot on a menu. It’s their favourite. Well, that’s if Buffalo Wings aren’t on the menu, because Mr Sunny is an avid wingman. However, it would be rare to see a restaurant feature both on a menu because they are cuisine worlds away!

He enjoyed them and followed the Starter with his other French fav- Moules Frites!

While he indicated his preference for mussels is slightly different from how the chef served them, he said the dish was thoroughly enjoyable. He felt both his courses would have been real winners with his mum too.

For our final selection, we decided to share one chocolate fondant, one of the evening’s specials, because our first and second courses were so filling. Sharing food (especially dessert) is not something for which I am known. 😉

Initially, I was disappointed at the small size when it hit the table. However, after a delicious few bites, each of us felt that only ordering one was indeed the correct thing to do. They had warned us that it was a chocolate lover’s feast, and they were exactly right!

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Service

It is rare that service during a blog review goes wrong. So, I try to look for signs that would be consistent regardless of the circumstance so readers trust my recommendations. We had the chance to talk to many staff members while at Brasserie Blanc. Their communication with one another and system for managing each table was solid.

Further, each person offered extensive knowledge at various points. Our server, Christopher, knew the menu well and offered suggestions that worked to exceed our expectations. Also impressive was the Brouilly Domaine des Dames de la Roche that we enjoyed upon the suggestion of the manager. We were initially concerned that since all of our courses featured fish that we would be remiss by not having white wine. It was the perfect red wine pairing for a vibrant spring day.

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Ambience

Mr. Sunny and I usually schedule our blog review dinners early because we find it easier for photographs and less distracting for other people dining in a restaurant. When we arrived at 6.15pm there weren’t many tables filled, and that was expected at such an early booking. As the evening progressed, Brasserie Blanc had a strong, steady crowd.

It seemed nearly all patrons entering were French. For a culture known for its passion and appreciation for fine food, seeing so many ‘natives’ at tables gave even more credit to my thoughts about our experience. Again, restaurants can put on their best face for a pre-arranged, complimentary blog dinner, but observing this type of clientele to me says there is consistency with Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane.

Finally, I also appreciated that the tables were fairly spaced apart and we weren’t crammed in to a small space elbowing other guests. However, ladies make sure you don’t have too much champagne or wine before you attempt the tight spiral staircase to the loo!

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Final Thoughts

An additional point worth noting is that Brasserie Blanc has an extensive gluten free menu. Also, impressive is the new Sunday Lunch Menu.

They have many restaurants in London (Charlotte Street, Hammersmith Riverside, Southbank, Threadneedle Street and Tower of London). You can also find them in Bath, Leeds, Oxford, St Albans, Portsmouth and several other locations in England.

Our evening was a blend of past, present and future as when said a toast to my mother in law, enjoyed a spring revival for the blog and discussed our upcoming trip to Prague.

Brasserie Blanc is at the top of my suggestion list for Londoners and people who visit London that are seeking classic French cuisine with a fun flair and flavour.

February 13, 2017 by: Sunny London

The Admiralty Pub Review

When Mr. Sunny and I scheduled The Admiralty Pub review, we had no idea what a treat it would be. We chose it because it is the easiest pub to find in London. It’s billed as ‘London’s Most Central Pub’ and it’s the only pub in Trafalgar Square. This could be a double-edged sword though, because we assumed it would likely be very touristy.

Several months ago we stopped in for drinks and it was super crowded. Now, we know it’s also because the food alone will bring all hands on deck.

Admiralty Pub Review: Food

Planning in advance, we reviewed the menu. The Fuller’s pub specialises in hand-crafted pies made with a fresh, signature shortcrust pastry filled with a range of delicious combinations. They are served up alongside tasty mash and gravy, and of course, they’re best enjoyed with a pint of Fuller’s ale. I loved the anchor embedded on the top of each pie.

I ordered the tasting board, which featured three mini-pies and three matched samples of ale. It came with London Pride, which is the only beer Mr. Sunny’s dad drinks. It’s also the flagship beer of Fuller’s. Also served were ESB and Honeydew.

Mr. Sunny informed me that ‘ESB’ was nicknamed ‘Extra Strong Beer’ by people years ago because when it was made, it had a higher alcohol percentage level than other beers. I don’t drink beer, but our server really wanted me to try the Honeydew. It actually was fairly light and enjoyable. However, Mr. Sunny says he feels maybe it’s a bit ‘girly’ and he’ll stick to a more manly ESB.

The steak pie was our favourite. Separately, Mr. Sunny ordered the chicken and chorizo pie. We felt the pies could use a bit more filling, but that could just be because we really like to eat a lot.

The tasting board also came with ‘pie liquor.’ I’ve heard of it, but never tried the green coloured parsley sauce until then.

While the pies were tasty and definitely cooked to perfection, the sneaky show stealer was the sticky toffee pudding. The portion is much bigger than what you normally receive other places. The flavours sail together at The Admiralty perfectly.

The Admiralty Pub Review: Service

This one is tough for us to judge what your experience could be, because we were able to dine in the special Admiral’s Cabin on the top deck’ of the pub. I shrieked with enthusiasm when we walked in to the private area because of the exclusive private dining opportunity and what it would allow me to do in terms of filming a YouTube video.

Everyone we met was keen to make sure nothing was adrift during our experience. The service made us feel like VIP’s. If you’re looking to host an after work drink, Christmas party, or other small special occasion, I would highly recommend this space. It even has its own loo!

The Admiralty Pub Review: Value

We feel the value for the money is great. Considering the location is in one of the most popular places in the world, the prices are more than fair for the food and atmosphere you receive. There’s also a lower deck you can visit too.

The Admiralty Pub’s exact address is 66 Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS. We look forward to going back and trying their breakfast some day too.

We featured in on the Sunny News on YouTube channel in our ‘Best Hidden London Pubs video‘ It shows of the delicious food and atmosphere of The Admiralty Pub, and then ventures off to secret pubs of London.

October 16, 2016 by: Sunny London

Pan Chai Review- Luxury Pan Asian Food

Food at Harrods is always divine. Pan Chai is no exception. As part of our Pan-Asian run recently, Mr. Sunny and I had the chance to sit down and thoroughly enjoy a decadent dinner in one of London’s finest luxury department stores.

Located in the Harrods Food Halls, the restaurant serves a range of fresh, Pan-Asian dishes. For this food review, we felt we would identify the three categories that mean the most to us when we choose a place to eat. Here we go…

Pan Chai Review: Food Quality

The best service and ambiance in the world won’t make up for bad food. There are no worries with that happening at Pan Chai. Above you can see what our first bites involved, and that is the Snow Crab Salad. It was like a ‘you had me at hello’ experience for us. Not only did the presentation WOW us, but the flavours and texture worked beautifully together too.

Second to sweep in to our palette is the Mixed Tempura, which is composed of shrimp, crab and lobster.

Yes, it’s unhealthy. Yes, it rocks!

At this point in the meal, I was filling up and probably could have stopped. Mr. Sunny smiled and said, ‘Sweetheart, I don’t think we’ve even really started.’

*Gulp*

He was right. This Omekase Platter hit the spot in front of us, and we both launched in to the dish.

When it comes to sashimi and sushi there is no room for error in terms of freshness. A somewhat ‘aged’ piece ruins a food experience. The seafood on the platter at Pan Chai could have been swimming ten minutes before for all I could guess. 😉

The Jumbo Tiger Prawn made us dizzy with delight. I would highly recommend it.

Finally, we had the Alaskan King Crab Leg. This one was a bit surprising, as the crab meat was very dry. I would be a bit hesitant if crab was served too wet. But, it just didn’t match our preferences enough to order it again.

Pan Chai Review: Service

Service is stellar at this Harrods restaurant. It is absolutely on par with what you would expect at one of the most luxurious places to shop in the world. We were seated quickly, our food was ready fast, and they were keen to prepare items that showcased the chef’s strengths as well as matched our interests.

Pan Chai Review: Ambiance

This is a tricky one. Situated in the Food Halls of Harrods means that you aren’t going to eat in a secluded, sexy environment that screams date night. It’s tough for me sometimes not to feel like I’m in a swanky airport bar when I eat here. Sitting at a counter on an unmovable leather and marble stool close to other people drives me a bit crazy. However, that’s no surprise when you are planning to eat at Pan Chai. It’s plainly visible what the ambiance situation is as you view the ‘exterior’.

It has a sleek and modern design. Also, the open-plan kitchen allows guests to witness the chefs Pan-Asian work, as they prepare the sushi and sashimi.

Pan Chai Review: Final Thoughts

Overall, Mr. Sunny and I would be ecstatic to return to Pan Chai restaurant. As our meal was complimentary for the purpose of a review, we probably wouldn’t eat as much. Although we ate all of our food, it was too much for two people in one sitting. The restaurant really wanted to give us a nice selection of their Pan-Asian dishes, and they sure accomplished this goal.

If you enjoy and can afford luxury food experiences in London, this is a great place to go either while taking a break from shopping or if you’re in the Knightsbridge area. The Pan-Asian flavours flow through every dish and the vibrant presentation of Southeast Asian cuisine is showcased in the signature dishes.

October 3, 2016 by: Sunny London

The Holly Bush Pub Hampstead Review

Who in Hampstead isn’t familiar with The Holly Bush Pub? Everyone in this North London area knows this traditional 18th century wood panelled pub, yet it’s hidden down a small street which is at the top of a steep hill. It’s certainly no place in the path of a tourist.

I first visited The Holly Bush pub in 2013 when Mr. Sunny and I attended a leaving drink for one of his colleagues. I felt like I was in a pirate pub. This is neither from Mr. Sunny’s work mates nor the other clientele. It’s because the decor is dark, rooms are small and candles seem to provide most of the light. In my early stages of living as an American expat in London, I felt like I had transcended back centuries and was a part of a secret meeting place for beer lovers.

Since then the pub has been refurbished. Yet, it still holds on to its flavour. And, boy does it have flavour!

I featured the Holly Bush pub in my Hampstead Pub Crawl in 2014. However, in all of this time, I never thought to eat there. While the history is rich and local sentiment is strong, I always thought of it as a great place for North Londoners to drink. When Mr Sunny and I received an invitation to review a Fuller’s Kitchen and we realised The Holly Bush was an option, it was just a matter of picking a date we were both off before we booked our table.

I knew photography would be a challenge because low light is really tricky. How the meal would be remained a mystery.

Mr. Sunny spent no time sampling the beer, as you can see by his half empty glass above. He says, ‘Half full or half empty, as long as there’s beer in the glass, who cares?’

Me, when I have to take a picture for a review!

He was mildly scolded for jumping to the Fuller’s beer too fast. But, I can’t say I blame him.

The first items to arrive (aside from my wine) were these starters. Below you can see his Devonshire crab mayonnaise, quails egg, and toasted sour dough. I enjoyed the Artichoke and Ricotta Ravioli with lemon and poppy-seed sauce.

As a girl who grew up in Florida, I don’t get too excited when I see seafood on a menu in London. I was caught off guard by how amazing Mr. Sunny’s crab dish tasted. Fresh and gorgeous. Even more striking was my ravioli. I’m Italian, so it was pretty risky to order ravioli in an English pub and assume it woud be good. The combination of lemon, poppy seeds and ricotta was certainly a new one for me. This dish rocked!

We both agreed that we could have eaten the Starters as bigger Main Dishes. The food was that delicious. Perhaps this built too high of hopes for our next course.

Mr Sunny took one for the blog team and ordered the Canoed Sea Bream because we were told the presentation would be the best of all the dishes for pictures. This meant the beef on the menu was all mine! I had been silently strategizing about how I could be the one who got to have the Hampshire Ribeye Steak as a non-sharing plate. 😉

We agreed the presentation was certainly interesting. Unfortunately, this fish dish wasn’t a winner because Mr Sunny found quite a few bones in his bites. My steak was cooked exactly how I ordered it, and that was the problem.

When I was asked how I wanted it cooked, Mr. Sunny jumped in with, ‘Blue!’ I added to that, ‘I am ok if meat is still moving, so let’s go with rare.’ Props to the chef for the precision and accuracy. This steak was certainly prepared to that preference. In hindsight, I should have said, ‘medium rare.’ Now I know that my response should not be so dramatic in the future.

Saving room for dessert, we looked forward to the final course. I’m a sucker for Sticky Toffee Pudding, so I didn’t even see anything else on the menu. And this pudding with stick with me for a long, long time.

While I’ve taken better pictures at other restaurants of sticky toffee pudding, none (and I mean none!) can beat the taste of this one! Holy heaven! Texture, temperature and taste were double A star! Here is Mr. Sunny’s Chocolate Fondant Tart with rosewater marshmallow and vanilla ice cream.

I think he said it was really good. However, I was so induced by the entrancing sticky toffee pudding that I don’t recall much after my first bite.

After posting some images on my Instagram, I learned that The Holly Bush pub in Hampstead also has a rock star Sunday roast. We’d love to go back for this. I’m guessing the other Fuller’s Kitchens probably offer the same caliber of food because the brand has Head Chef, Pascal Persigout’s signature on every menu.

We’d be eager to visit the Holly Bush pub again for a dinner, or any other Fuller’s Kitchen for that matter. If you are one of the few people who doesn’t know hasn’t heard of this popular pub, you can find it on 22 Holly Mount London NW3 6SG. You’ll be glad you hiked up the hill once you have that sticky toffee pudding at the end of your meal!

November 19, 2015 by: Sunny London

If Gluten Free is for YOU, Try Tootoomoo!

Do you struggle to find gluten free options for food in London? Does eating gluten free cause you to be stuck with a salad every time you eat at a restaurant?

I try to eat gluten free as much as possible, but it’s a real struggle when menus don’t always have many selections for people who have to (or choose to) eat this way.

This is what I liked about my experience at Tootoomoo in Whetstone- they have so many options for gluten free eaters clearly labeled on their menu.

Mr Sunny and I were invited to try their location in Crouch End. However, when we realised there are four and we were going to be closer to the Whetstone restaurant one night, we asked to try that one instead.

We both had heard great feedback about Tootoomoo, so our excitement was high.

The restaurant makes Asian street food fusion and is very small. A limited space in London (or any big city) isn’t rare. Space in any big city is tough to find.

As you enter, you will find a mini Asian food market on the left and an open kitchen on the right.

There are only a few tables so you are really best advised to book ahead and definitely arrive early, as it gets busy fast.

Mr Sunny and I ordered our standard beer and red wine and reviewed the menu.

There are tons of options for eating gluten free at Tootoomoo. In fact, the manager indicated she also eats gluten free.

It’s recommended to order two Starters and one Main per person. I put Mr. Sunny in charge, as he always picks out the best food options for us.

We shared the Shichimi Squid, Sashimi Two Ways, Grilled Chicken Satay and Tiger Prawns Tempura.

For our Main dishes, I had the Shaoxing Crispy Chicken and Mr. Sunny had Aromatic Duck.

I didn’t try any of his duck because it’s not something I fancy very much. He really loved it though, and he does eat it quite often when it’s on a menu, so he has formed a strong foundation to compare.

Tootoomoo is definitely a blend of Asian street food and Pan Asian. Since Mr Sunny is in the Whetstone area often, he made sure to get a take away menu when he left. I imagine the staff is going to become quite familiar with him.

Tootoomoo is located at 1371 High Street, Whetstone, London N20 9LN. They are also in Crouch End, Highgate and Islington. Have you tried this location or others, Sunny friends? My best advise is to get there early, as it gets quite busy in the evening!

October 27, 2015 by: Sunny London

Langham Palm Court London Launches New Look!

Have you been to the Langham Palm Court lately in London? It’s recently been revamped and it’s looking lovely, Sunny friends!

Thanks to an invitation that my friend Aftab of the blog Fresh and Fearless extended to me, I was able to have the exclusive opportunity to preview their new look and menu.

Also at this launch party I had the opportunity to dine with my blogger role model Selena from Selena the Places. We haven’t had the opportunity for a proper catch up since the Spring, so the dinner conversation (and champagne, courtesy of Langham Palm Court) was certainly flowing!

Let’s get to the Langham Palm Court launch party details though first!

The new menu is conceived by Executive Chef Chris King, in partnership with Chez Roux. It’s available seven days a week and delicacies include ‘Salade Perigourdine’, ‘Spit-roast coquelet a la biere’, ‘Praline profiteroles’ and more.

Aside from sipping on Laurent-Perrier, we started with Canapes and then had the Palm Court Lobster Salad. This delicious dish has avocado, hearts of palm, and a sauce Marie Rose followed by Chicken Pojarski, which is served with 2011 Pinot Noir, Casa Silve, Chili.

Once these plates disappeared, our table had the chance to try the Aged Buccleuch Ribeye Steak.

However, the show stealers for the night were saved for last. The Ile Flottante and Praline Profiteroles really rock. Take a look.

The Langham Hotel in London is known for luxury. If you’re interested in more reviews, make sure you give them a look on TripAdvisor and of course, leave your comments below too.

Make sure to stop in the Langham Palm Court in London yourself to see their new look. Here is a sneaky peak from me…